Solid Pseudopapillary Tumor of the Pancreas in Children and Adolescent

Kim, Eun Sim; Hong, Jung; Pai, Ki Soo; Park, Jun Eun

Abstract

PURPOSE
To review the clinical and pathological characteristics of solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas in children and adolescent.
METHODS
We retrospectively analyzed a series of six patients with solid pseudopapillary tumor managed in Ajou University Medical Center between January 1994 and August 2010.
RESULTS
All patients were female. The median age at the time of diagnosis was 15 years. All of them are symptomatic. 3 of the 6 patients presented with a palpable abdominal mass and the others with abdominal pain. The abdominal computed tomography revealed a well-encapsulated mass with central heterogenicity. The level of tumor marker, CA19-9 was slightly increased in 1 of the 4 patients examined. The mean diameter of the tumors based on pathological examination was 6.8 cm. There were located in head (33%), body (33%), and body to tail (33%). The tumor was localized in 5 patients. 1 was diagnosed with local invasion and received distal pancreatectomy, splenectomy and partial resection of mesocolon. During the follow-up period that ranged from 1 month to 81 months, there was no tumor recurrence.
CONCLUSION
Comparing to the previous reported results, there was no significant difference in the clinical and pathological characteristics of solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas in children and adolescent managed in our hospital. Further studies based on clinical experience should be done to determine the therapeutic guideline for the cases of unresectable solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas when diagnosed or recurred.